Scientists are concerned by the increasing variety of contaminants in the environment. Traces of pesticides and caffeine were found in the Zumbro River, above, in Minnesota.Credit Brent Frazee/Kansas City Star, via MCT, via Getty Images

Flame retardants have been found in Antarctic penguins and other unexpected animals and places.Credit L.A. Kelly Whybrow/Royal Navy Crown, via EPA

Flame retardants, widely used in furniture, bedding and clothing, have been found in a multitude of places, from breast milk to Antarctic penguins. Some of these chemicals are suspected carcinogens, but experts are unsure how their ubiquity will affect human health..Read more…

A pile of PVC water pipes. PVC contains phthalates, which a new study suggests is linked to male infertility.Credit Ruth Fremson/The New York Times

Increasing evidence suggests that phthalates, widely used in plastic products, may damage the reproductive system in men. But there are simple measures people can take to reduce their exposure to the chemicals.Read more…